Microsoft Word - Moreau integration 2 United through love Throughout the past several weeks, I have developed a stronger understanding of community and what it means to truly love one another. I have gained greater clarity about what it means to be connected and united through shared compassion. At the beginning of the semester, I questioned what exactly makes up a community and what role the individual plays in a community. I now understand that community is something that celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of everyone, and “begins not externally, but in the recesses of the human heart” (“Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by Parker J. Palmer – Moreau FYE Week Eleven). Prior towards this revelation, I had the impression that community was a concept solely relating to groups of people and relationships, but I have learned that “long before community can be manifest in outward relationships, it must be present in the individual as a capacity for connectedness” (“Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by Parker J. Palmer – Moreau FYE Week Eleven). Encountering this wisdom has allowed me to take a greater look into myself and evaluate patterns inhibiting this capacity for connectedness such as implicit biases. I have also been able to gain greater clarity on my personal strengths, and how I can use them to connect with others. Moreover, analyzing my personal role in a community has made me evaluate my imperfections. Although I often view certain characteristics of myself in a negative light, the concept of kintsugi introduced by Kristen Helgeson (“Women Find Healing Through Kintsugi Workshop” by Grotto Moreau FYE Week Ten) has introduced me to a new way of thinking. Instead of viewing aspects of my identity as flaws or imperfections I can view them as something that makes me unique and special. I can use these differences to connect with others and develop deeper relationships. Furthermore, each person’s unique trials and experiences allows for empathy towards others, which is a key factor in a strong community. I also gained greater understanding of the importance of communication in a community. Often, we believe we are alone in something, only to find out there is a whole community of people who feel or believe the same thing. This scenario is perpetuated by pluralistic ignorance in which “we each doubt ourselves privately but believe we are alone in thinking that way because no one else voices their doubts” (“What is Imposter Syndrome?” by Elizabeth Cox Moreau FYE Week Nine). Although it takes immense courage to voice our true emotions and ideologies, it can make a significant difference in our feelings of worthiness and connection. I am striving to reduce my personal pluralistic ignorance by being more vulnerable with others and by building connections built on trust and openness. I also hope to reduce the pluralistic ignorance of others by being an empathetic listener and a source of kindness. I have found that having deeper conversations with other people can be very liberating and allows for greater connection and unity. Community is also derived from compassion and love for all regardless of differences, and I have discovered more about celebrating diversity and broadening my perspective to learn about different walks of life. As Catholic social teaching suggests, we are all made in the image of God and deserve dignity and respect. Catholic social teaching also stresses that “love is the greatest commandment and hatred is at the heart of the greatest sins; hatred is more dangerous to us than any other threat, because it attacks the immune system of our society-our ability to see danger, come together, and take action.” (“Should Catholic Schools Teach Critical Race Theory?” by Christopher J. Devron, S.J. Moreau FYE Week Ten). This quote emphasizes the importance taking a firm stance against any hatred in our world since hatred is the greatest hindrance to community. To respond, we must stand up for the rights of all and examine race through critical theory and through appeals to our common humanity. To decrease the hate in our world, it is important to actively examine systemic oppression and take strong action to change these issues. We each have the responsibility to respond to oppression and one concrete step I plan on taking, is partaking in activities and guest lecturers that address issues of equity and inclusion, in order to better educate myself on how I can appreciate and care for those around me. Although this may not solve all the hatred in the world, if we each make a strong effort towards bettering ourselves and those around us, we can profoundly impact the systems around us. It is up to each as the individual to choose to build strong communities and to make a positive difference in the world. Strong communities are built on love, respect for others, trust, and compassion. It is essential to have communication, compassionate leadership, humility, and faith when striving to connect with others and unite people. This is definitely not something that is easy to do, and it does take dedication and strength. Ultimately it is up to ourselves to choose love and let God guide us towards this. The “Screwtape Letters” profoundly demonstrate how we must be deliberate in our faith and in seeking out God’s way. Although God’s capacity for love is immensely powerful, He also gave us freewill. Therefore, we must deliberately seek out ways to live out our life in the footsteps of God. Having the perspective of the devil through the “Screwtape Letters” reveals how the devil drags people down through temptations and vice (“The Screwtape Letters Chapter 8” by C.S. Lewis Moreau FYE Week Twelve). One powerful way to respond to this is through an education. Through a Catholic education, I can become closer to God by growing in knowledge of the world around me and having appreciation for the wonder of it all. Being at Notre Dame allows me to grow in my faith and encounter God through my coursework. It also allows me to grow in community with others through faith. From attending campus ministry events to dorm masses, I can grow closer to my God and my peers. Furthermore, Notre Dame education has allowed me to develop my leadership skills, and as Parker J. Palmer discusses, community requires leadership and people who can create a trustworthy space and guide others (“Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by Parker J. Palmer – Moreau FYE Week Eleven). Being part of clubs and volunteering organizations has shown me how to lead by example, and I hope to utilize the leadership skills I have learned thus far to empower others and unite those around me.